GM Tyranius Age of Ashes (PF2E) (Inactive)

Game Master Tyranius

If were not resting/healing, Raspar is happy to move on. I sort of assume it with 2e.

Raspar snaps to attention and is ready to press on.

The issue at present is the limited duration of Caba's invisibility sphere. Let's not waste it.

You can still heal, just not with treat wounds or anything else that requires 10 minutes if you want to keep movng with the spell. So Raspar can use his LoH spell but not get the focus point back atm.

The seventh floor is inhabited by three more Scarlet Triad poisoners, along with a pair of alchemical golems that have been repaired and repurposed as guardians.

These golems are a walking alchemical nightmare capable of inflicting all manner of painful wounds. Its ability to follow orders is granted by the otherwise mindless humanoid brain that floats in its dome-like head and a long needle attached to each finger with tubes leading to separate vats within it's body.

Do you stop here or continue on up to the Eighth floor at the top?

Cabaguil is uneasy leaving this force at his back, but maybe they can close and wedge a door. He’s low on spells now, well the good ones anyway - and those are usually the ones that count - so he suggests moving on.

Cabaguil whispers his suggestion, ”I don’t want them at our backs, but maybe we can seal a door further along. I’m running low on power - lets go to the top!”

Having said that, he goes with the majority easily enough, there being no clear benefit either way to the choice before them.

EDIT: Actually my spell doesn't work that way, sorry, wasn't thinking when I wrote this. Cabaguil would suggest attacking.

Raspar nods and continues to pad along in silence, and invisible.

To the top.

If the party tries to sneak past the doorways, Cabaguil moves ahead up the stairs to see what’s next.
Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15 + invisibility

If the party decides to fight, he’ll cast Mirror Image (•>>, 3/3 images) to prepare as the party strikes.

Meh, we’ve wasted enough time.

Raspar pads over to the right doors and gently closes them, putting an old starknife in the door handles to keep them locked.

1d20 + 19 ⇒ (19) + 19 = 38 Stealth

Raspar shuts the door the last bit and jams it shut tight. The mindless golems don't react nor move against the threatening door. With a nod you tiptoe past up the stairs.

Untouched by the construction that has reshaped the lower levels, the top floor of Tanessen Tower consists of five dormitory rooms connected by short halls. This landing is devoid of decor. The moans and cries of prisoners in pain are plainly audible through the doors through which cruel guffaws and taunts can also be heard.

Raspar seems to forget he was going to gakk some slavers when he finds himself on the next floor, so excited was he to use Caba’s remaining invisibility.

He pads to the first intersection and peers about. His shield and starknife are in hand.

Raspar finds an empty hallway with one door on either side. Painful screams are heard once more throughout the chamber, followed by a loud thump against one of the doors as if someone was thrown roughly against it.

Cabaguil moves up with the group, and when he hears the screaming, he nudges the others to open the door. "That one I think, that's the one. Hurry!"

Raspar moves to the head thumpy door and opens it when others are ready.

Dak nods, he's ready.

Kelvin keeps close to Cabaguil, looking to maintain his invisible advantage for now. He holds is spear ready, eager to finally stab someone.

Dakapos tries to open the southern door. He jars himself against the frame with a bang as the door stops solid, locked tight. You hear a small bit of the painful moans quickly get quiet.

"Bloody hell. Can one of you get this lock?" He speaks with urgency

Raspar tries with the lock.

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 Thievery

”Oh, it’s *not* made of candy. I can’t get through that.”

Raspar makes room for someone else to try the lock.

Yeah, the knock spell merely provides a slight bonus to the roll, so I swapped it out.

Cabaguil gestures to the door when Raspar backs away. "Someone, please, hurry. Kick it in if you have to!" he suggests.

He'll cast Guidance (•>, +1 attack, perception, save, or skill w/in 1 round (status)) on whomever steps up to try the door next.

Dak will kick it once Assurance for 26 on Athletics. Will wait to see if that does it. If not Athletics: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (9) + 26 = 35

Oof. A crit fail on an Thievery (Pick a Lock) check breaks the tools you used

"Wait. I can take care of the lock," Kelvin says, stepping forward with his tools. He then sets to work.
Thievery (Assurance) to Pick a Lock: 26 = 26
If it looks like he's making headway, I'll continue to use Assurance 3-4 more times or until it opens. Otherwise, I'll make some rolls.
Thievery (Assurance) to Pick a Lock: 1d20 + 19 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 19 + 1 = 39
Thievery (Assurance) to Pick a Lock: 1d20 + 19 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 19 + 1 = 26
Thievery (Assurance) to Pick a Lock: 1d20 + 19 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 19 + 1 = 38

Kelvin quickly stops Dakapos from ramming the door off of its frame. Moving closer to the door he pulls Raspar's finger from out of the keyhole from the lock so that Cabaguil is able to 'tend' to it.

Unfurling his own toolset Kelvin makes easy work of the strong lock. It takes some time but he makes some headway.

Dropping the padlock to the ground with a dull thud Kelvin swings the door open. Inside, this dormitory contains six malnourished stevedores, each of them manacled to empty bed frames. These prisoners were laborers from Sunset Imports, and they have been in Scarlet Triad custody for several weeks now. One of the men looks over in fright as the door opens. His eyes turn from terror to hope as they begin to well up. His lips shake as he mumbles out a few words. "Heeelp us...."

Kelvin places a finger over his lips, the universal symbol for quiet. He then looks to Cabaguil and whispers, "Anything you can do here?"

He then looks around to see if any of them match the description they have of Laria Longroad. Given how long they've been here though, he quickly figures that she's not among them. Unless I'm mistaken?

"Let's get them free. NOW!" He'll empty whatever food he has in his backpack.

”Yes, of course. I will bleed for you.”

Raspar does try to help, moving in to try to snap some chains with his tiny, but strong, hands.

1d20 + 19 ⇒ (14) + 19 = 33 Athletics
1d20 + 19 ⇒ (12) + 19 = 31 Athletics
1d20 + 19 ⇒ (11) + 19 = 30 Athletics

Cuthberwyn offers help to Raspar, using his own training in Athletics (Assurance for 24).

Hmm. Can't tell if that works or not. If not, Cuth will roll to Aid.

"These may not be the only prisoners here, but yes, I'll help where I can."

He enters the room so everyone (including the party) will be affected. He then casts Heal (2) (•>>>) the long way, to affect everyone within 30'.

Heal: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (3, 2) + 2 = 7 (staff)

"That should help everyone get moving at least. I can do more with time, but let's clear this place out - there could be others."

He'll then take out his tools and help free the prisoners.
Crafting: 1d20 + 16 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 16 + 1 = 29 (crafter's eyepiece)
Crafting: 1d20 + 16 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 16 + 1 = 21 (crafter's eyepiece)
Crafting: 1d20 + 16 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 16 + 1 = 18 (crafter's eyepiece)

Kelvin will also help with the freeing, using his tools to unlock any manacles.
Thievery (Assurance) to Pick a Lock for 26

Having plenty of keys within your possession from the Scarlet triad you have defeated you are able to free the prisoners from their restraints. Deep wounds are left from the manacles on their wrists and ankles. Cabaguil's healing helps some but their bodies are severely wasted away from malnourishment and starvation. One of the men begins to openly weep as he whispers. "Thank you kind ones. Thank you..." He grasps Raspar's hands within his own as they shake, feeling like the weight of light leaves.

Raspar shakes the hand back, whispering to the freed slaves.

"Eat up and regain your strength. It is not necessarily safe for you to leave just yet. We shall return and escort you out. In the meantime, you need to regain your strength. So Desna wills," Raspar says with a smile, offering Dak's food around.

"There is danger below us and we seek Laria Longroad, do you know where she is? And what else do you know of this floor and who might be here?"

The man shakes his head. "No, I do not...They have not let us out of here in weeks." Looking around the room none of these captives appear to be Laria.

"Block the door. We won't be long. I assure you, your freedom is here."

When others are ready, Raspar goes though the north door. He's smiling and ready to kill some slavers.

Dak follows, blade up and ready Map accurate

The room to the north also contains a new heavy-duty padlock. Kelvin begins working o it and eventually gets it open.

Not all of the prisoners have fallen into despair—those who were kept in this final room have managed to escape their bonds. Abducted from Long
Roads Coffeehouse, these four halflings are led by Laria Longroad.

You catch them quietly ripping up moldering bedclothes and sheets into long strips which they intend to braid into a rope for escape out the window.

As you open the door they all move to hide in fright. Laria stands defiantly from behind the cover of the bed. "You won't be able to get us all!"

"Halt friends! We are here to free you! Laria I presume? We've been looking for you!" Dak lowers his blade and looks to a more silver-tongued party member as he steps back to the doorway and keeps a lookout.

"Aye, no need to get loud. Quiet is actually what we're hoping for. We're here to spring you out. You can think of us as friends of the Network. Your friend Hundy tipped us off that you might be in trouble, so we followed the biscuit crumbs here. Seems the Triad isn't a fan of yours."
Diplomacy (Make an Impression): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32

"Now hold still, so I can get you all. Well, you're not as wounded as the lot across the hall. Perhaps you should join them, and I'll heal you all briefly before we continue on. Please let us help you." he entreats.

If she stands down, he'll get everyone together and pop another second level spell to heal the group, and all the former prisoners.

Heal: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (5, 3) + 2 = 10 (staff)

"You won't be able to get us all!"

"Well, why would want to get any of you? We're trying to help you get out and be free. Do you think you'll safer getting out that way, or via the path of dead bodies we've cut to come free you?" Raspar moves to look to be sure her rope looks stout and well secured, tugging on it to look for weak spots.

"Yes, I think this rope will do. You need to get out of here."

Raspar smiles, happy that she has freed herself and yearns for freedom.

"Aye, no need to get loud. Quiet is actually what we're hoping for. We're here to spring you out. You can think of us as friends of the Network. Your friend Hundy tipped us off that you might be in trouble, so we followed the biscuit crumbs here. Seems the Triad isn't a fan of yours."

Which is fair enough, Cuthberwyn adds, as we are hardly fans of the Scarlet Triad. It's quite mutual. He nods as Raspar checks their makeshift rope. Now, before you make your escape -- and take your companions, of course! -- what can you tell us of your would-be captors?

Laria's scowl turns into a smile. "Sorry bout that, thought you lot were a part of the Triad, come to torture us some more." She seems very grateful as you all pile into the southern room for some more healing. She takes a few minutes in hushed whispers as she looks down the hallway. "There are still some of them up here and they could be back at any moment. Take care of them and we can talk after."

”Okay, I will go bleed for you. I will go kill them,” Raspar smiles at Laria and, after again making sure the rope is safe for escaping. He moves to the next door and opens it when others are ready.

Kelvin follows quietly behind Raspar, spear at the ready.

Cabaguil nods and goes to follow the others to the next doors.

"Shut it with the bleed line, we don't buy it anymore, and you shouldn't sell it to them." Grimly, Dak moves over to the next set of doors and throws them open.

Dakapos levels with Raspar as they work on the door to the east. Inside is a terror stricken woman. She’s manacled to a bed next to a dead human man—another prisoner who succumbed to injuries inflicted by the Scarlet Triad when he tried to escape. She whimpers shackled on top of a blood soaked mattress. Tears stream down her face as she slowly pleads for help.

Cuthberwyn holds his finger to his lips, asking her to stay quiet, while Kelvin and Raspar work to free her. With grim determination, he then moves over to the poor departed and shuts his eyes before he works on freeing the body. That's another to add to the list, he thinks to himself. One more retribution to exact.

Not wanting to touch the poor woman, and assuming some of the blood is hers and wanting to help, he’ll reach out with his magics, casting Heal (•>>) on her while Cuthberwyn frees her.
Heal: 1d8 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 2 = 12 (staff)

He’s angry though, and seeks justice for those who are perpetrating these things. ”Ma’am, there are some others we have saved, but we’re not done clearing the structure. Can we escort you to them, and leave you there for the moment while we find your tormenters, and exact vengeance on your behalf?”

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 21 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 21 + 2 = 29 (badge with humans)

Raspar smiles and wishes there was something here to attack them so he might bleed for them, but alas. He waits patiently for answers to Caba's questions, but also eyes the next room where there might be slavers.

Strange this post didn't stick yesterday.

The woman nods eagerly, though she still seems a little afraid. Cabaguil helps her up from the bed and escorts her over to the room where Laria puts an arm underneath her and helps her walk to a corner of the room to rest. the halfling immediately begins comforting the woman and wraps a sheet around her shoulders.

Raspar moves up the next hallway and opens the left door when others are ready.

It will be good when more slavers are dead.